Gentex will get started filling 1,110 positions next week

Grand Rapids Press File PhotoHundreds of job seekers stood in line last year to apply for work at a Gentex Corp. job fair.

Gentex isn't wasting any time on getting started on filling those 1,110 positions that will be added over the next five years as part of a $160 million expansion to keep up with growing demand for its high-tech products.

Hours after the state OK'd its portion of a $10 million tax incentive package tied to the new jobs, Gentex announced today it will hold a daylong job fair next week.

The Gentex job fair will be 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Doubletree Hotel at 650 East 24th Street in Holland to fill 300 immediate positions, including production and engineering. More details at the company's website.

The Zeeland automotive parts manufacturer is looking for applicants with production experience who have a track record of good attendance and punctuality, said Bruce Los, vice president of human resources.

For the salaried technical positions, the company is looking for both new college graduates and those with experience in electrical, software or mechanical engineering.

Los says his department has taken steps to streamline its job fairs so applicants spend less time waiting in line. He encourages job seekers to attend the job fair rather than just submitting an application online.

“The job fairs are a great way to get some face-to-face time,” Los said.